Apple & Cheddar Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Weather: 30 degrees, about 8 inches of fresh, powdery snow on the ground.
What I’m listening to: George Winston, Forest
I’ve eaten this salad for lunch for the past three days, so I figured it was about time I share it with you. Apples and cheddar are a classic combination. Long before apples met bleu, gorgonzola, and feta, apple and cheddar were good friends. There are some who claim the only proper way to eat apple pie is with a slice of melted cheddar on it. It’s surprising that we don’t see cheddar and apple together in salads more often. I’ve decided to remedy this.
First, a note about the homemade balsamic vinaigrette. I like my balsamic dressing equal parts good olive oil and balsamic. It’s nice and pungent and flavorful that way. Most recipes you find will call for a lot more olive oil than vinegar. If you like your dressing on the milder side, then please feel free to reduce the balsamic vinegar and, perhaps, add more brown sugar to balance out the acidity. For you full-flavor balsamic fans, I expect you’ll love this as written.
Salad recipes are more difficult to write than other recipes because, well, they’re just not an exact science. But, that’s also what’s great about salads- completely and utterly customizable. Don’t like walnuts? Then grab the pecans. Don’t care for cheddar? Get the feta. It’s all good.
Apple and Cheddar Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove peeled and minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 cups salad greens
- 1 apple cored and chopped
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese cut into cubes
- ¼ cup roughly chopped walnuts or crumble in your hand
Instructions
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a bowl until sugar dissolves and dressing comes together. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use. Best if made ahead.
- Assemble salad ingredients. Stir dressing with fork (or shake container) until recombined. Drizzle over salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried Oliver balsamic vinegar that Williams Sonoma sells? (Do you have Williams Sonoma there?? ) If not you’ve got to try it, it’s the best I’ve had…I like mine a little sweet and this one is it! Can’t wait to try this recipe with it!
Unfortunately, we don’t have Williams Sonoma (I wish!) but that sounds terrific. Might have to track down some next time I’m in the Lower 48! Thanks for the recommendation!
Hey Maya!
It’s your beloved cousin Andrea! My mom showed me your website and we both think it is amazing in every way. We like the pictures the most! Good Work and Good Luck! Love you and say Hi to everyone for us.
Love,
Andrea and Wendy
Thanks Andrea! Happy Holidays from Alaska to you and your mom!
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